Hematopoiesis News Volume 5.21 | Jun 3 2014

Identification of Erythroferrone as an Erythroid Regulator of Iron Metabolism
Investigators identified a new hormone, erythroferrone (ERFE) that mediates hepcidin suppression during stress erythropoiesis. ERFE is produced by erythroblasts in response to erythropoietin. [Nat Genet]
Abstract | Press Release

PADI4 Acts as a Coactivator of Tal1 by Counteracting Repressive Histone Arginine Methylation
The transcription factor Tal1 is a critical activator or repressor of gene expression in hematopoiesis and leukemia. The authors show that Tal1 interacts with the peptidylarginine deiminase IV (PADI4). They demonstrate that PADI4 can act as an epigenetic coactivator through influencing H3R2me2a. [Nat Commun]
Full Article

In Utero Depletion of Fetal Hematopoietic Stem Cells Improves Engraftment after Neonatal Transplantation in Mice
Scientists used an antibody against the murine c-Kit receptor (ACK2) to deplete fetal host hematopoietic stem cells and increase space within the hematopoietic niche for donor cell engraftment. Fetal mice were injected with ACK2 on E13.5-14.5 and surviving pups were transplanted with congenic hematopoietic cells on day of life one. [Blood] Abstract

Dissection of Vertebrate Hematopoiesis Using Zebrafish Thrombopoietin
To identify and prospectively isolate thrombocytic/erythroid progenitors, investigators identified, cloned, and generated recombinant zebrafish thrombopoietin (Tpo). Tpo mRNA expanded itga2b:GFP⁺ thrombocytes as well as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in the zebrafish embryo. [Blood] Abstract

The Cebpa +37-kb Enhancer Directs Transgene Expression to Myeloid Progenitors and to Long-Term Hematopoietic Stem Cells
FACS analysis, in vitro colony assays, and in vivo competitive and secondary transplantation revealed that myeloid but not MEPs or lymphoid progenitors and also functional LT-HSCs are found almost exclusively in the Cebpa-hCD4⁺ compared with hCD4^– marrow population. [J Leukoc Biol] Abstract

Low Dose Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins 1 and 2 and Angiopoietin Like Protein 3 Coordinately Stimulate Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells as Assayed in NOD/SCID Gamma Null Mice
In order to determine the optimal dose and combination of insulin like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) and angiopoietin like proteins (ANGPTLs), serial dilution and full permutation of IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGF2 and ANGPTL3 were applied on a cryopreserved umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells ex vivo expansion system. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

Dppa5 Improves Hematopoietic Stem Cell Activity by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Scientists demonstrate that developmental pluripotency-associated 5 (Dppa5) is a regulator of hematopoietic stem cells that critically governs reconstitution capacity after bone marrow transplantation. [Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Ibrutinib versus Ofatumumab in Previously Treated Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia
In this multicenter, open-label, Phase III study, researchers randomly assigned 391 patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphoid leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma to receive daily ibrutinib or the anti-CD20 antibody ofatumumab. [N Engl J Med] Abstract | Press Release

Plerixafor plus Pegfilgrastim Is a Safe, Effective Mobilization Regimen for Poor or Adequate Mobilizers of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells: A Phase I Clinical Trial
The safety, kinetics and efficacy of plerixafor+pegfilgrastim for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilization are poorly understood. Investigators treated 12 study patients with pegfilgrastim and plerixafor. [Bone Marrow Transplant] Abstract

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Aastrom Completes Acquisition of Sanofi’s Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Business
Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. announced that the company has completed its acquisition of Sanofi’s cell therapy and regenerative medicine business unit. [Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.] Press Release

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Clinical HSCT Faculty Position – Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Immunology (The Anthony Nolan Trust)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mammalian Hematopoietic and Erythroid Development (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Regulation of Cytokine Receptor Signaling in Hematopoietic Stem Cells (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions – New Models of Hematopoiesis and Hematopoietic Disorders (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Genomics (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Associate – Hematopoietic Differentiation (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Hematology, Immunology, Cancer Therapeutics (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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